Guarana Supplements
Description
Guarana is used by the natives of Brazil and Uruguay to make hot tea, to use as a stimulant Coca-Cola uses it in their carbonated beverages in Brazil.
In the United States, guarana is often falsely advertised as a caffeine-less stimulant, or if it does contain caffeine, it is not used by the body. Both of these positions lack support.
Unlike yerba mate, for which there is some doubt about the chemistry of its xanthine stimulants, such doubt does not presently exist for guarana. It is sometimes called Zoom in the United States. The purpose is always the same: to get a stimulant effect.
Method of Action
The method of action guarana is rather straightforward: it contains upwards of 3.5% caffeine which has a definite stimulant pressor action on the body.
Therapeutic Approaches
Dosage requirements of guarana have not been determined. Use a few grams in a cup of hot water, or 2-3 capsules per day. Be careful using this herb.
Toxicity Factors
A narcotic stimulant!
May create nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels, excess stomach acid and heartburn. Should be avoided by pregnant women.
References
da Fonseca, C.A. et al. Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in prokaryotic organisms. Mutat. Res. 1994,321(3):165-73.
Duke, J.A. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, 1985.
Galduroz-JC; Carlini-E-de-A.: Acute effects of the Paulinia cupana, "Guarana" on the cognition of normal volunteers. Rev-Paul-Med. 1994 Jul-Sep; 112(3): 607-11.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Tyler, V. The New Honest Herbal, Stickley, Philadelphia, 1987.
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